(12/20/04) SOUTH BRUNSWICK Prosecutors say a South Brunswick car crash that killed one teen and left another hospitalized was not an accident, but a suicide attempt.

The incident occurred at approximately 4 a.m. Monday when a vehicle driven by 16-year-old Joshua Aanestad slammed into a utility pole at the intersection of Route 1 and Deans Lane. The crash seriously injured Aanestad and killed the cars passenger, 15-year-old Richard VonDeesten. Police officials say the two teens were driving extremely fast at the time of the collision.

Although investigators would not reveal specific evidence, they now say the incident was a suicide attempt by the two teens. Aanestad was charged with juvenile delinquency for a criminal offense. However, prosecutors say they want to try him as an adult.

Aanestad is listed in serious condition at Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Center. He will be turned over to police upon his release. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the crash to call the South Brunswick Police Department at (732) 329-4000.